Nectarine tree named: ‘Honey Lite’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus perscia  var.  nucipersica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. The tree having a winter chilling requirement of approximately 350 to 400 hours at or below 45° F.   2. A regular and productive bearer of large, clingstone fruit.   3. Fruit holding firm on the tree 7 to 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe).   4. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color.   5. Vigorous, upright growth of tree.   6. Fruit with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our activities that the present variety of nectarine treewas originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of nectarine and peach trees, which areknown to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Royal Glo’ Nectarine (U.S. PlantPat. No. 8,281), ‘Fairlane’ Nectarine (non-patented), ‘May Crest’ Peach(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,064), ‘May Grand’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.2,794), ‘Earliglo’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,402), ‘Honey Fire’Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,418), ‘Royal Gold’ Peach (U.S. PlantPat. No. 2,663) and ‘Golden Supreme’ Peach (non-patented).

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var.nucipersica) was developed by us in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif. as a first generation cross between two proprietaryselected seedlings we developed with field identification numbers‘59Z418’ and ‘61Z355’. The maternal parent (59Z418) originated fromcrosses between the following varieties; ‘Royal Glo’ Nectarine (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 8,281), ‘May Crest’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,064),‘May Grand’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,794), ‘Earliglo’ Nectarine(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,402), ‘Fairlane’ Nectarine (non-patented) ‘RoyalGold’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,663) and ‘Golden Supreme’ Peach(non-patented). The paternal parent (61Z355) originated as an openpollinated seedling from seed of ‘Honey Fire’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 12,418). A large number of these first generation seedlings weregrown and budded to older trees of ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented),to excellerate rapid fruit production for evaluation. Under close andcareful observation we recognized the desirable fruit characteristics ofthe present new variety and selected it for further asexual propagationand commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas by buding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed byus in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and showsthat reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristicsof the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted throughsucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety of nectarine tree (Prunus perscia var. Nucipersica) isof large size, vigorous, upright growth, a productive and regular bearerof large size, firm, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with a mild, sweet,sub-acid flavor and excellent eating quality. The fruit is furthercharacterized by having good storage, handling, with shipping qualityand holding firm on the tree 7-8 days after maturity (shipping ripe),having an attractive red skin color and being relatively uniform in sizeand maturity throughout the tree. In comparison to the proprietarymaternal parent ‘59Z418’ the new variety has larger size fruit withsub-acid flesh compared to acid, has a higher degree of attractive redskin and the tree is approximately 100 hours lower in its winterchilling requirement. In comparison to its proprietary pollen parent‘61Z355’, the new variety has larger fruit with more attractive red skincolor and the fruit is more uniform in size throughout the tree, bothvarieties have sweet, sub-acid flesh.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofnectarine tree, 5 years of age, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as basedon observations of 5 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, normal for the majority of most commercial            varieties of nectarine trees. Pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in            height for economical harvesting of fruit. Average spread 3            meters, varies with different cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first            growing season. Varies slightly with fertility, type of soil            and cultural practices.        -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, normal thinning and spacing of            fruit desirable. Fruit set varies with climatic conditions            at bloom time.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 3 consecutive years, no            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self fertile.        -   Density.—Medium dense, pruning to vase shape opens centers            to more sunlight to enhance fruit color and health of fruit            wood.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit areas of California.            Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter chilling            requirement approximately 350 to 400 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 58.4 cm at 22.8 cm above            ground on a 5 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 3/6 to 2.5Y 7/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 18.6 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            varies from medium to rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 15 in a 25.8 square cm section.            Average length 2.5 mm. Average width 1.1 mm. Color varies            from 7.5YR 6/8 to 10YR 6/10.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 5/4 to 2.5GY 4/4. Mature            growth varies from 10YR 3/4 to 2.5Y 3/4, varies with age of            growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 125.8 mm. Average width 38.2 mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Crenate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins, glabrous. Lower            surface relatively smooth, small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation, glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Size — medium. Average length 11.4 mm. Average            width 1.6 mm. Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous.            Color varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 5/6.        -   Glands.—Reniform. Medium. Average length 1.3 mm. Average            diameter 0.7 mm. Number varies from 3 to 5, average            number 4. Located primarily on base of leaf blade and upper            portion of petiole. Color varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/6.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/6 to 7.5GY 3/4. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 7.5 GY 4/4. Midvein color            varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY 7/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 17.1 mm. Average diameter 11.3            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California, with respect to California winters. Grown in            USDA Hardiness Zone 9.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.5 mm. Average width 1.4 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 6/6.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 6/12 to 5RP 7/8.-   Flowers:    -   -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 17.8 mm. Average diameter            45.3 mm.        -   Petals.—Number — 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Large.            Average length 21.1 mm. Average width 19.5 mm. Shape varies            from elliptic to orbicular. Margin — sinuate, slightly            cupped. Both surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Number — 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —            large. Average length 4.7 mm. Average width 4.2 mm. Shape —            ovate, apex rounded. Margin — entire. Surface — upper            surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent. Color — upper            surface varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 5/6. Lower surface            varies from 7.5R 2/4 to 10R 2.6.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 42. Average filament            length 13.1 mm. Filament color varies from 7.5RP 9/2 to N            9.5/ (white). Anther color varies from 5R 4/10 to 5R 3/10.        -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 5Y 8/10 to 5Y 7/12.        -   Pistil.—Normally 1, varies from 1 to 2. Surface — glabrous.            Average length 15.5 mm. Position of stigma — even in height            with anthers. Color varies from 2.5GY 8/8 to 5GY 7/10.        -   Fragrance.—Moderate.        -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 17, 2005. Date of            Petal Fall Feb. 27, 2005, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Number of flowers per flower bud.—One.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/6 to 7.5RP 9/2, fades with age.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.6 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 7/8.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—May 31, 2005.        -   Date of last picking.—Jun. 8, 2005, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 66.5 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 66.5 mm. Average weight 178.9            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Lipped, extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Lipped, extent varies slightly between            fruit.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Varies from flat to slightly retuse.        -   Cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 5.5 mm. Average diameter 14.1 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 7.4 mm. Average            diameter 4.6 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 5/6 to 2.5GY 5/8.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firm, holds firm on the tree 7 to 8 days after            maturity (shipping ripe).        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Excellent.        -   Flavor.—Excellent, mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.        -   Juice.—Moderate, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 11.7°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8.5/12 to 2.5 Y 8/10. Pit cavity            varies from 2.5Y 7/8 to 2.5Y 7/10.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Down.—Wanting.        -   Tendency to crack.—Very slight.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 8.5/8 to 5Y 8/8.            Overspread with 5R 2/6 to 7.5R 3/10 on approximately 90% of            fruit surface.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—None.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Large. Average length 39.5 mm. Average width 30.0 mm.            Average depth 23.6 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Varies from flat to rounded.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 1.9 mm.        -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from rounded to            elongated. One furrow on each side of suture.        -   Sides.—Unequal with one side extending slightly further from            suture plane.        -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, broad ridges extending from base            toward apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 7/6 to 10YR 6/8 when dry.-   Kernal:    -   -   Form.—Ovate.        -   Viability.—Poor viability, embryo incomplete.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 18.9 mm. Average width            12.4 mm. Average depth 6.2 mm.        -   Skin color.—Varies from 5Y 9/6 to 5Y 8.5/6, when dry.-   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage at 38° F. to 42° F.    for 2 weeks without internal breakdown or appreciable loss of    flavor.-   Shipping quality: Good, minimal bruising of flesh or skin scarring    during picking and packing trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var.nucipersica), substantially as illustrated and described, characterizedby its large size, vigorous, upright growth, being a productive andregular bearer of large size, firm, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit witha mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor and excellent eating quality; the fruitis further characterized by having an attractive red skin color, holdingfirm on the tree 7 to 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe) and havinggood storage and shipping quality.